Dementia Hits High-carb Elderly Hardest

Those [70-90 year olds] who reported the highest carbohydrate intake at the beginning of the study were 1.9 times likelier to develop mild cognitive impairment than those with the lowest intake of carbohydrates. Participants with the highest sugar intake were 1.5 times likelier to experience mild cognitive impairment than those with the lowest levels.

But those whose diets were highest in fat — compared to the lowest — were 42 percent less likely to face cognitive impairment, and those who had the highest intake of protein had a reduced risk of 21 percent.

When total fat and protein intake were taken into account, people with the highest carbohydrate intake were 3.6 times likelier to develop mild cognitive impairment.

Diabetes is already linked to Alzheimers, although it could well be the lack of protein and good fats at the same caloric intake that makes the high-carb elderly degenerate. Protein and muscle have many advantages. Some amount of (various kinds of) fat is essential.

Old people need to stay active and muscular as long as possible. Loss of brain matter, brain function, and muscle mass is all part of the end. I’ll be lifting weights when I’m old for sure (I don’t bother now).